U.S. patent application number 10/536790 was filed with the patent office on 2006-02-09 for device for the structured storage or handling of optical waveguides.
Invention is credited to Oliver Lapp.
Application Number | 20060029351 10/536790 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32471481 |
Filed Date | 2006-02-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060029351 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lapp; Oliver |
February 9, 2006 |
Device for the structured storage or handling of optical
waveguides
Abstract
A device for storing and handling optical fibers, namely a cable
sleeve, includes a frame and a plurality of splice cases arranged
one above the other on a front side of the frame and on a rear side
of the frame and pivotally fastened to the frame. Fiber guide
elements are mounted on at least one narrow side of the frame for
guiding optical fibers laterally next to the splice cases. A drawer
disposed between the splice cases and configured to be drawn out
from a vertically running narrow side of the frame stores uncut
multifiber buffer tubes containing optical fibers. Guide channels
are disposed inside the splice cases such that the optical fibers
are guided within the splice cases in a circular manner with
approximately the same radii, irrespective of their individual
lenths.
Inventors: |
Lapp; Oliver; (Wuppertal,
DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Christopher C Dremann;Corning Cable Systems
Post Office Box 489
Hickory
NC
28603
US
|
Family ID: |
32471481 |
Appl. No.: |
10/536790 |
Filed: |
November 14, 2003 |
PCT Filed: |
November 14, 2003 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP03/12759 |
371 Date: |
May 26, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
385/135 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02G 15/076 20130101;
G02B 6/4471 20130101; G02B 6/4445 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
385/135 |
International
Class: |
G02B 6/00 20060101
G02B006/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 26, 2002 |
DE |
102 55 291.6 |
Mar 29, 2003 |
DE |
103 14 262.2 |
Claims
1-22. (canceled)
23. A device for storing and handling optical waveguides comprising
a frame and a plurality of splice cases arranged one above the
other on a front side and on a rear side of the frame and pivotably
fastened to the frame, wherein fiber guiding elements for optical
fibers are fastened at least to one vertically running narrow side
of the frame such that the optical fibers are guided laterally next
to the splice cases in the region of the narrow side.
24. The device as claimed in claim 23, wherein the fiber guiding
elements are fastened exclusively to one vertically running narrow
side of the frame, and wherein the optical fibers are guided
laterally next to the splice cases exclusively in the region of the
one narrow side.
25. The device as claimed in claim 23, wherein the fiber guiding
elements are fastened to both vertically running narrow sides of
the frame, and wherein the optical fibers are guided laterally next
to the splice cases in the region of both narrow sides.
26. The device as claimed in claim 23, wherein the fiber guiding
elements arranged in the region of the narrow side form at least
two vertically running guiding channels for optical fibers, a first
guiding channel being assigned to the front side of the frame and a
second guiding channel being assigned to the rear side of the
frame.
27. The device as claimed in claim 26, wherein the two guiding
channels are spatially separated from one another by at least one
vertically running separating wall, and wherein the separating wall
has an aperture in a lower portion so that the optical fibers are
diverted from the first guiding channel into the second guiding
channel, and consequently from the front side of the frame to the
rear side of the frame.
28. The device as claimed in claim 26, wherein each of the guiding
channels is subdivided into two guiding channel compartments such
that at least two vertically running guiding channel compartments
extend in the region of the front side of the frame and in the
region of the rear side of the frame.
29. The device as claimed in claim 28, wherein the two vertically
running guiding channel compartments comprise inner guiding channel
compartments, of which a first runs in the region of the front side
of the frame and a second runs in the region of the rear side of
the frame, separated from one another by a separating wall.
30. The device as claimed in claim 28, wherein the guiding channel
compartments running in the region of the front side and in the
region of the rear side of the frame are separated from each other
by a plurality of separating webs spaced apart from one another, an
aperture being formed between two neighboring separating webs such
that the optical fibers in the region of the front side and in the
region of the rear side of the frame can be diverted between the
respective guiding channel compartments.
31. The device as claimed in claim 23, wherein the fiber guiding
elements fastened to the narrow side form curved guiding channels
such that individual optical fibers may be fed to the splice cases
through the curved guiding channels.
32. A device for storing and handling optical waveguides comprising
a frame, a plurality of splice cases arranged one above the other
on a front side and on a rear side of the frame and pivotably
fastened to the frame, and a drawer that is guided in the frame and
can be pulled out in the horizontal direction from a first
vertically running narrow side of the frame, the drawer being
arranged in the pushed-in position between the splice cases
arranged on the front side and the splice cases arranged on the
rear side of the frame, the drawer configured for storing uncut
multifiber buffer tubes of optical fibers.
33. The device as claimed in claim 32, wherein the drawer has on
one vertically running side at least one actuating grip and has on
horizontally running sides guides for the multifiber buffer
tubes.
34. The device as claimed in claim 32, wherein one or more fiber
guiding elements for optical fibers are fastened to a second
vertically running narrow side of the frame opposite the first
narrow side such that the optical fibers are guided laterally next
to the splice cases exlusively in the region of the second narrow
side.
35. The device as claimed in claim 34, wherein the fiber guiding
elements fastened to the second narrow side form at least two
vertically running guiding channels, a first guiding channel being
assigned to the front side of the frame and a second guiding
channel being assigned to the rear side of the frame.
36. A device for storing and handling optical waveguides comprising
a frame, a plurality of splice cases arranged one above the other
on a front side and on a rear side of the frame and pivotably
fastened to the frame, and guiding channels arranged within the
splice cases such that the optical fibers are guided within the
splice cases in a circular manner.
37. The device as claimed in claim 36, wherein the guiding channels
are arranged such that at least three interlinked and overlapping
circular guides are formed in each splice case.
38. The device as claimed in claim 37, wherein the circular guides
are aligned in relation to one another such that the circular
guides merge tangentially with one another in a central portion of
the splice cases.
39. The device as claimed in claim 37, wherein the circular guides
are aligned in relation to one another such that the optical fibers
can be guided in a circular manner with approximately the same
radii, irrespective of their length.
40. The device as claimed in claim 37, wherein the circular guides
are aligned in relation to one another such that storage space for
excess lengths of the optical fibers is formed in lateral portions
of the splice cases.
41. A device for storing and handling optical waveguides comprising
a frame and a plurality of splice cases arranged one above the
other on a front side and on a rear side of the frame and pivotably
fastened to the frame, wherein optical fibers are guided by
cylindrical axial bodies of the splice cases such that a direction
of insertion of the optical fibers into a splice case runs
approximately parallel to a pivoting axis of the respective splice
case, and wherein the cylindrical axial body of a respective splice
case is axially slit such that the optical fibers can be inserted
into the cylindrical axial body in the radial direction through an
opening therein.
42. The device as claimed in claim 41, wherein guiding webs are
integrated in the splice cases to prevent the optical fibers from
falling out from the opening of the cylindrical axial body when the
respective splice case is pivoted.
43. The device as claimed in claim 41, wherein the guiding webs are
configured such that the optical fibers lie against an inner wall
of the cylindrical axial body opposite the opening.
44. The device as claimed in claim 41, wherein the cylindrical
axial bodies of the splice cases define a hollow cylinder.
Description
[0001] This National stage application claims the benefit of
International Application No. PCT/EP2003/12759, filed on Nov. 14,
2003, which claims the benefit of German Patent Application No.
10255291.6, filed on Nov. 26, 2002 and German patent Application
No. 10314262.2. The International (PCT) Application was not
published in the English language under PCT Article 21(2).
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a device for the structured storage
or handling of optical waveguides, especially spliced optical-fiber
connections, according to the precharacterizing clause of patent
claim 1.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A device for the structured storage or handling of optical
waveguides or of spliced optical-fiber connections, to be specific
cable sleeves, is used in fiber-optic cable networks for protecting
spliced connections at connecting points of two fiber-optic cables
and also for protecting the optical waveguides or optical fibers at
branching points or dividing points of fiber-optic cables. In these
cases, the cable sleeves must ensure the continuity of the
fiber-optic cables as though the fiber-optic cables were not
interrupted. The structured storage and careful handling of the
optical fibers or of the spliced optical-fiber connections is of
decisive significance here, in order that the transmission
properties of the optical fibers are not adversely affected.
[0004] A large number of cable sleeves are known from the prior
art. Reference can be made for example to EP 1 095 303 B1 as prior
art. In this document, a device formed as a hood-type sleeve is
known for the structured storage or handling of optical waveguides,
to be specific of spliced optical-fiber connections.
[0005] Against this background, the present invention is based on
the problem of providing a novel device for the structured storage
or handling of optical waveguides, especially of spliced
optical-fiber connections.
[0006] This problem is solved by the device mentioned at the
beginning for the structured storage or handling of optical
waveguides, especially of spliced optical-fiber connections, in
which fiber guiding elements for optical fibers are fastened at
least to one vertically running narrow side of the frame in such a
way that the optical fibers are guided laterally next to the splice
cases or laterally next to the frame in the region of the or each
narrow side.
[0007] Preferably, the fiber guiding elements arranged in the
region of the or each narrow side form at least two vertically
running guiding channels for optical fibers, a first guiding
channel being assigned to the front side of the frame and a second
guiding channel being assigned to the rear side of the frame. Each
of the guiding channels is subdivided into two guiding channel
compartments in each case in such a way that at least two
vertically running guiding channel compartments respectively extend
in the region of the front side of the frame and in the region of
the rear side of the frame, to be specific in each case at least
one inner guiding channel compartment and at least one outer
guiding channel compartment. This makes particularly structured
handling of the optical fibers possible.
[0008] According to an advantageous development of this first
aspect of the invention concerned here, the two guiding channels
running in the region of the or each narrow side are spatially
separated from one another by at least one vertically running
separating wall, the separating wall having an aperture in a lower
portion, so that the optical fibers can be diverted from the first
guiding channel into the second guiding channel, and consequently
from the front side to the rear side of the frame.
[0009] The guiding channel compartments running in the region of
the front side and in the region of the rear side of the frame,
that is the inner guiding channel compartment and the outer guiding
channel compartment, are separated from one another by a number of
separating webs spaced apart from one another, an aperture
respectively being formed between two neighboring separating webs
in such a way that the optical fibers in the region of the front
side and in the region of the rear side of the frame can be
diverted from the respective inner guiding channel compartment into
the respective outer guiding channel compartment.
[0010] According to a second aspect of the invention concerned
here, the device mentioned at the beginning for the structured
storage or handling of optical waveguides, especially of spliced
optical-fiber connections, is provided in which a drawer that is
guided in the frame can be pulled out in the horizontal direction
from a first vertically running narrow side of the frame, the
drawer being arranged in the pushed-in position between the splice
cases assigned to the front side and the splice cases assigned to
the rear side of the frame, and the drawer serving for the storage
of uncut multifiber buffer tubes of optical fibers. This first
narrow side lies opposite a second vertically running narrow side
of the frame, to which the fiber guiding elements for the optical
fibers are fastened.
[0011] According to a third aspect of the invention concerned here,
the device mentioned at the beginning for the structured storage of
spliced optical-fiber connections is provided in which guiding
channels and/or guiding ribs are arranged within the splice cases
in such a way that the optical fibers are guided within the splice
cases in a circular manner. This makes particularly careful
handling of the optical fibers possible in the splice cases.
[0012] According to a further aspect of the invention concerned
here, the device mentioned at the beginning for the structured
storage or handling of optical waveguides, especially of spliced
optical-fiber connections, is provided in which the optical fibers
are guided by cylindrical axial bodies of the splice cases in such
a way that a direction of insertion of the optical fibers into a
splice case runs approximately parallel to a pivoting axis of the
respective splice case, the cylindrical axial body of the
respective splice case being radially slit in such a way that the
optical fibers can be inserted into the cylindrical axial body in
the radial direction through a radial opening.
[0013] Additional aspects and alternative embodiments of the
invention will be apparent from the appended claims, drawing
figures and the description which follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more
detail on the basis of the drawings, without being restricted to
these. In the drawings:
[0015] FIG. 1 shows a device according to the invention, formed as
a hood-type sleeve, for the structured storage or handling of
spliced optical-fiber connections without the covering hood, in a
perspective front view, according to a first exemplary embodiment
of the invention,
[0016] FIG. 2 shows a frame of the hood-type sleeve according to
FIG. 1, mounted on a sealing body, in a perspective front view,
[0017] FIG. 3 shows an enlarged detail of the frame of FIG. 1 with
holders for splice cases fastened to the frame, in a perspective
front view,
[0018] FIG. 4 shows the detail of FIG. 3 with fiber guiding
elements additionally mounted on the frame, in a perspective front
view,
[0019] FIG. 5 shows the detail of FIG. 4 with buffer-tube guiding
elements additionally mounted on the frame, in a perspective front
view,
[0020] FIG. 6 shows the detail of FIG. 5 with splice cases
additionally mounted on the frame, in a perspective front view,
[0021] FIG. 7 shows a cutout from the device according to the
invention, formed as a hood-type sleeve, for the structured storage
of spliced optical-fiber connections according to FIGS. 1 to 6, in
a side view,
[0022] FIG. 8 shows a detail analogous to FIG. 6 together with
multifiber buffer tubes and optical fibers guided in the hood-type
sleeve, in a perspective front view,
[0023] FIG. 9 shows a detail of FIG. 7 in the region of vertical
guiding channels for optical fibers, in a perspective side
view,
[0024] FIG. 10 shows a splice case of the device according to the
invention, formed as a hood-type sleeve, for the structured storage
of spliced optical-fiber connections according to FIGS. 1 to 9, in
a perspective plan view,
[0025] FIG. 11 shows the splice case of FIG. 10 in a plan view,
[0026] FIG. 12 shows the splice case of FIGS. 10 and 11 in a plan
view, with visualization of possible fiber guides within the splice
case in plan view,
[0027] FIG. 13 shows the visualization of possible fiber guides
according to FIG. 12 represented on their own,
[0028] FIG. 14 shows a further detail of the device according to
the invention, formed as a hood-type sleeve, for the structured
storage of spliced optical-fiber connections according to FIGS. 1
to 13 to illustrate the fiber guide, in a perspective front
view,
[0029] FIG. 15 shows the detail of FIG. 14 with an alternative
fiber guide within a splice case, in a perspective front view,
[0030] FIG. 16 shows the detail of FIGS. 14 and 15 with an
alternative fiber guide within a splice case, in a perspective
front view,
[0031] FIG. 17 shows an enlarged cutout from the detail of FIGS. 14
to 16, in a perspective front view,
[0032] FIG. 18 shows the detail of FIG. 17 with a fiber guide,
[0033] FIG. 19 shows an enlarged cutout from the detail of FIGS. 14
to 16 in a side view,
[0034] FIG. 20 shows an enlarged cutout from the detail of FIGS. 14
to 16 in a perspective plan view,
[0035] FIG. 21 shows the device according to the invention, formed
as a hood-type sleeve, for the structured storage of spliced
optical-fiber connections according to FIGS. 1 to 20 with a
pulled-out drawer for the storage of uncut multifiber buffer tubes,
in a perspective front view analogous to FIG. 1,
[0036] FIG. 22 shows the device according to FIG. 21 with an
illustration of the guidance of the uncut multifiber buffer tubes
within the pulled-out drawer, in a perspective front view,
[0037] FIG. 23 shows a cutout from a device according to the
invention, formed as a hood-type sleeve, for the structured storage
or handling of spliced optical-fiber connections, without the
covering hood, according to a second exemplary embodiment of the
invention, in a perspective front view,
[0038] FIG. 24 shows a cutout from the device according to FIG. 23
with partly swung-down splice cases,
[0039] FIG. 25 shows a cutout from the device according to the
invention, formed as a hood-type sleeve, for the structured storage
of spliced optical-fiber connections according to FIGS. 23 to 24,
in a side view,
[0040] FIG. 26 shows a splice case of the device according to the
invention, formed as a hood-type sleeve, for the structured storage
of spliced optical-fiber connections according to FIGS. 23 to 25,
in a perspective plan view,
[0041] FIG. 27 shows an enlarged cutout from the detail of FIG. 24
in a perspective front view,
[0042] FIG. 28 shows another enlarged cutout from the detail of
FIG. 24 in a perspective front view together with an optical
fiber,
[0043] FIG. 29 shows the detail according to FIG. 28 in an enlarged
representation,
[0044] FIG. 30 shows an enlarged cutout from the detail of FIGS. 28
to 29 in a perspective plan view,
[0045] FIG. 31 shows a representation of the device according to
the invention for the structured storage of spliced optical-fiber
connections according to FIGS. 23 to 30 with splice cases of
different thicknesses, and
[0046] FIG. 32 shows a further detail of the device for the
structured storage of spliced optical-fiber connections according
to FIGS. 23 to 31 in the region of the buffer-tube guide.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0047] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 32, the invention is described
in detail below on the basis of a device formed as a hood-type
sleeve for the structured storage or handling of optical
waveguides, to be specific of spliced optical-fiber connections.
FIGS. 1 to 22 relate to a first exemplary embodiment of the
invention, FIGS. 23 to 32 relate to a second embodiment of the
hood-type sleeve according to the invention. Although the invention
can be used especially advantageously in the case of hood-type
sleeves, the invention can also be used in the case of other types
of sleeve, for example so-called inline sleeves.
[0048] Firstly, the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 22
is described. FIG. 1 shows a hood-type sleeve 30 according to the
invention, with the covering sleeve removed. In the case of such a
hood-type sleeve 30, fiber-optic cables (not represented) are
inserted into the hood-type sleeve 30 from below. The insertion of
the fiber-optic cables into the hood-type sleeve 30 takes place via
a sealing body 31. Provided in the sealing body 31 are openings 32
(see in particular FIG. 2), through which the fiber-optic cables to
be spliced to one another are inserted into the hood-type sleeve
30. The openings 32 for inserting the fiber-optic cables into the
hood-type sleeve 30 operate on the principle of glands. The
construction and operating principle of such sealing bodies 31 are
quite familiar to the skilled person addressed here and therefore
need no further explanation.
[0049] Fastened to the sealing body 31 is a U-shaped bracket 33.
The U-shaped bracket 33 engages with two vertically running legs
34, to be specific with end portions of these legs 34, into lateral
recesses 35 of the sealing body 31. The two vertically running legs
34 of the bracket 33 are connected to one another by a horizontally
running leg 36. The leg 36 accordingly extends at a vertical
distance from the sealing body 31 between the two recesses 35 of
the same.
[0050] Mounted on the horizontally running leg 36 of the bracket 33
is a frame 37 (see in particular FIG. 2). The frame 37 is
substantially formed by four vertically running frame parts 38 and
two horizontally running frame parts 39. As FIG. 2 reveals, a
horizontally running frame part 39 respectively extends at an upper
end and at a lower end of the frame 37. To both sides of the
horizontally running frame parts 39 there respectively extend two
vertically running frame parts 38. The horizontally running frame
parts 39 are formed as U-sections and the vertically running frame
parts 38 are formed as L-sections. On each side of the horizontally
running frame parts 39, one of the vertically running frame parts
38 accordingly acts respectively on the two U-legs running parallel
to one another. It follows directly from this that the vertically
running frame parts 38 arranged in the region of one side of the
horizontally running frame parts 39 are spaced apart from one
another. The distance is thereby defined by the width of the
horizontally running frame parts 39 formed as U-sections.
[0051] A frame 37 formed in this way has a front side 40 and a rear
side 41. Both in the region of the front side 40 and in the region
of the rear side 41, two vertically running frame parts 38 are
respectively arranged, laterally bounding the front side 40 and the
rear side 41. Furthermore, the frame 37 has a total of four narrow
sides, to be specific two horizontally running narrow sides 42 and
two vertically running narrow sides 43.
[0052] The horizontally running narrow sides 42 are defined by the
horizontally running frame parts 39. The vertically running narrow
sides 43, on the other hand, are defined by in each case two
neighboring, vertically running frame parts 38, which are fastened
to one end of the horizontally running frame parts 39, to be
specific to opposite legs of the horizontally running frame parts
39 formed as U-sections.
[0053] As already mentioned, the vertically running frame parts 38
are formed as L-sections. With a first leg 44, the vertically
running frame parts 38 formed as L-sections are fastened to the
horizontally running frame parts 39. Second legs 45 of the
vertically running frame parts 38 are angled away from the legs 44
by approximately 90.degree.. As FIG. 2 reveals, openings 46 are
provided on the one hand in the first legs 44 and openings 47 are
provided on the other hand in the second legs 45.
[0054] According to FIG. 3, guides or holders 48 for splice cases
49 are latched in the openings 47 of the second legs 45 of the
vertically running frame parts 38, formed as L-sections. The splice
cases 49 are not represented in FIG. 3, but are for example in FIG.
1, 6 or 7. The holders 48 for the splice cases 49 are provided both
on the front side 40 and on the rear side 41 of the frame 37. A
splice case 49 can be mounted in two holders 48, which lie opposite
one another at the same height either on the front side 40 or on
the rear side 41 of the frame 37. FIG. 1 in particular therefore
reveals that both on the front side 40 and on the rear side 41 of
the frame 37 there are accordingly a number of splice cases 49
respectively arranged one above the other. The guides or holders 48
for the splice cases 49 allow pivoting of the splice cases 49 about
a pivot axis formed by the respective holders 48. This is revealed
in particular by FIG. 6, which shows six swung-down splice cases 49
and a number of swung-up splice cases 49 on the front side 40 of
the frame 37. The guides or holders 48 for the splice cases 49 are
formed as cylindrical sections.
[0055] FIG. 4 shows the frame 37 together with the holders 48 for
the splice cases 49 fastened to the frame 37, and with fiber
guiding elements 50 additionally fastened to the frame 37. The
configuration and arrangement of the fiber guiding elements 50
constitutes a first aspect of the invention concerned here.
[0056] FIG. 4 in particular reveals that the fiber guiding elements
50 are assigned to one of the vertically running narrow sides 43 of
the frame 37. The fiber guiding elements 50 are pushed onto the
legs 44 of the vertically running frame parts 38, formed as
L-sections, in the region of this one vertically running narrow
side 43, to be specific they are pushed on by means of barb-like
anchoring elements 51, which latch into the clearances 46 in the
region of the legs 44. The fiber guiding elements 50 are
accordingly arranged exclusively in the region of one of the
vertically running narrow sides 43 of the frame 37.
[0057] As each of FIGS. 4 to 9 reveals, the fiber guiding elements
50 form two vertically running guiding channels 52 and 53. A first
guiding channel 52 is assigned to the front side 40 of the frame
37. A second guiding channel 53 is assigned to the rear side 41 of
the frame 37. This can be seen best from FIG. 7. The two vertically
running guiding channels 52 and 53 are separated from one another
by a likewise vertically running separating wall 54. As revealed in
particular by FIGS. 5 and 6, the separating wall 54 is provided in
a lower portion with an aperture 55. The significance of the
aperture 55 is discussed in greater detail further below.
Therefore, laterally next to the vertically running narrow side 43
of the frame 37 there extend the two vertically running guiding
channels 52 and 53; the first guiding channel 52 is assigned to the
front side 40 of the frame 37 and the second guiding channel 53 is
assigned to the rear side 41 of the frame 37.
[0058] Furthermore, each of FIGS. 4 to 9 reveals that each of the
two vertically running guiding channels 52 and 53 is subdivided
into two likewise vertically running guiding channel compartments
in each case, to be specific an inner guiding channel compartment
56 and an outer guiding channel compartment 57. In the region of
the front side 40, to which the first guiding channel 52 is
assigned, there accordingly runs an inner guiding channel
compartment 56 and an outer guiding channel compartment 57.
Likewise, in the region of the rear side 41 there runs an inner
guiding channel compartment 56 and an outer guiding channel
compartment 57. It follows from this that the separating wall 54
separates the two inner guiding channel compartments 56 from one
another. The separation of the inner guiding channel compartments
56 from the outer guiding channel compartments 57 in the region of
the front side 40 and in the region of the rear side 41 of the
frame 37 takes place by means of separating webs 58. Therefore, a
number of such separating webs are positioned over the entire
height of the frame 37, apertures 59 being formed respectively
between two neighboring separating webs 58. It follows from this
that, in the region of the separating wall 54 which separates the
two guiding channels 52 and 53 from one another, only one aperture
55 is positioned or provided in a lower portion of the separating
wall 54. For the separation of the inner guiding channel
compartments 56 from the outer guiding channel compartments 57,
however, a number of apertures 59 are provided over the entire
height of the frame 37. The significance of the apertures 59
between the separating webs 58 will be discussed in greater detail
further below. As revealed in particular by FIG. 7, accordingly
four guiding channel compartments 56 and 57, respectively, are
positioned in a plane next to one another, to be specific laterally
next to the one vertically running narrow side 43 of the frame
37.
[0059] The fiber guiding elements 50 form not only the vertically
running guiding channels 52, 53, but also curved guiding channels
60 for optical fibers. This can be seen for example in FIG. 4. The
curved guiding channels 60 open out on the one hand into the outer
guiding channel compartments 57 and on the other hand into the
holders 48, formed as cylindrical hollow bodies, for the splice
cases 49. The significance of the curved guiding channels 60 will
likewise be discussed in greater detail further below.
[0060] As FIG. 5 in particular reveals, a directing device or
fixing device 61 for multifiber buffer tubes is arranged in a lower
portion of the frame 37, that is in the region of the bracket 33.
This directing device or fixing device 61 for the multifiber buffer
tubes has a number of directing channels 62. The directing channels
62 all have a curved profile and end in the region of the
vertically running narrow side 43 on which the fiber guiding
elements 50 are arranged and on which the vertically running
guiding channels 52, 53 are formed. In a lower portion of the
guiding channels 62, the same are facing the sealing body 31, and
consequently the openings 32 within the sealing body 31. In the
case of the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 22, the
directing channels 62 accordingly all lie in one plane and end in
the region of a vertically running narrow side 43.
[0061] Positioned above the guiding channels 62 and beneath the
lowermost holders 48 for the splice cases 49 is a plate-shaped
element 63 with a stop 64 for the lowermost splice case 49. As FIG.
7 in particular reveals, the lowermost splice case 49 rests on the
stop 64 in the swung-down or pivoted-down position. As a result,
the approximately 45.degree. sloping inclination of the splice
cases 49 that is represented in FIG. 7 is obtained in the
swung-down position.
[0062] As already mentioned several times, fiber-optic cables to be
connected are inserted through the openings 32 of the sealing body
31 into the hood-type sleeve 30. A number of multifiber buffer
tubes are positioned in such fiber-optic cables, preferably twelve
optical fibers being arranged within one multifiber buffer tube.
FIG. 8 shows a number of multifiber buffer tubes 65 with optical
fibers 66 arranged in the multifiber buffer tubes 69. The
fiber-optic cable as such is not shown in FIG. 8. The multifiber
buffer tubes 65 are inserted via the lower portions of the
directing channels 62 in approximately parallel alignment in
relation to one another into the directing channels 62 of the
fixing device 61. As soon as the multifiber buffer tubes 65 have
been inserted into the directing channels 62 of the fixing device
61, the multifiber buffer tubes are preferably also fixed to the
directing channels 61 by means of cable ties that are not
represented. Directly following this, jackets are removed from the
multifiber buffer tubes 65 and only the individually separated
optical fibers 66 are guided. Therefore, FIG. 8 reveals that all
the optical fibers 66 guided in the multifiber buffer tubes 65 are
guided via the directing channels 62 into the region of the
vertically running narrow side 43 of the frame 37 in which the
fiber guiding elements 50 are positioned. The optical fibers 66 are
accordingly directed into the region of the vertically running
guiding channels 52 and 53 and are accordingly guided exclusively
in the region of the vertically running narrow side 43 laterally
next to the splice cases 48 in which the fiber guiding elements 50
are positioned.
[0063] At the transition of the optical fibers 66 from the fixing
device 61 into the fiber guiding elements 50, it must be decided
whether an individual optical fiber 66 is fed to a splice case 49
in the region of the front side 40 or in the region of the rear
side 41. The aperture 55 in the separating wall 54 is significant
in this connection. The aperture 55 accordingly serves for
deflecting the optical fibers 66 out of the region of the front
side 40 into the region of the rear side 41 or out of the region of
the rear side 41 into the region of the front side 40. Directly
after the optical fibers 66 have accordingly left the directing
channels 62 of the fixing device 61, it is decided whether the
optical fibers 66 are fed to the vertically running guiding channel
52 in the region of the front side 40 or to the vertically running
guiding channel 53 in the region of the rear side 41. The
deflection of optical fibers 66 in the region of the aperture 55 of
the separating wall 54 can be clearly seen in particular in FIG.
7.
[0064] Once it has been established whether the optical fibers 66
are guided in the guiding channel 52, assigned to the front side
40, or in the guiding channel 53, assigned to the rear side 41, and
ultimately are fed to the splice cases 49, all the optical fibers
66 in the region of a guiding channel 52 or 53 are initially guided
in the inner guiding channel compartment 56 of the respective
guiding channel 52 or 53. The optical fibers 66 are guided in the
inner guiding channel compartment 56 until they reach the height at
which the splice case 49 to which the corresponding optical fiber
66 is to be fed is positioned. Once the corresponding height has
been reached, the corresponding optical fibers 66 are deflected out
of the inner guiding channel compartment 56 via the apertures 59 in
the region of the separating webs 58 into the outer guiding channel
compartment 57. This can be seen particularly clearly in FIGS. 7
and 9 for example. Once the optical fibers 66 have reached the
corresponding height of the splice case 49 into which the optical
fibers 66 are to be inserted, the optical fibers 66 accordingly run
for the first time in the outer guiding channel compartment 57.
From the outer guiding channel compartment 57, the optical fibers
are then inserted into the curved guiding channel 60, which
interacts with the holder 48 of the corresponding splice case 49.
This can be seen in detail in particular in FIG. 9 and FIG. 14.
[0065] The configuration according to the invention accordingly
makes particularly structured and careful storage or handling of
optical fibers possible within a cable sleeve. Once they have been
individually separated from the multifiber buffer tubes 65 by
removing the jacket from the buffer tubes 65, the optical fibers 66
are initially guided into the region of one side of the splice
cases 49. The optical fibers 66 are exclusively guided to one side
of the splice cases 49 or to one side of the frame 37 in vertically
running guiding channels 52 and 53. Directly after all the optical
fibers 66 have been guided into the region of this one side, the
optical fibers are fed either to a guiding channel 52 assigned to
the front side 40 of the frame 37 or to a guiding channel 53
assigned to the rear side 41 of the frame 37 and are guided
vertically upward. Within these two guiding channels 52 and 53, the
optical fibers 66 run initially in the region of the inner guiding
channel compartments 56, until the height of the splice cases 49
into which the respective optical fiber 66 is to be inserted is
reached. Once this height is reached, the optical fibers 66 are
transferred into the region of the outer guiding channel
compartment 57 and then ultimately threaded into the curved guiding
channel 60, which feeds the optical fiber 66 to a splice case
49.
[0066] The splice cases 49 are clipped into the holders 49 by means
of cylindrical axial bodies 67. This is revealed in particular by
FIG. 6. The cylindrical axial bodies 67 of the splice cases 49 are
represented in greater detail in FIGS. 10 to 12. Furthermore, these
details are revealed in FIGS. 17 and 18.
[0067] The cylindrical axial bodies 67 of the splice cases 49 are
formed as hollow cylinders. The optical fibers 66 are guided
through the cylindrical axial bodies 67 for insertion of the same
into a splice case 49, to be precise in such a way that a direction
of insertion of the optical fibers 66 into a splice case 49 runs
approximately parallel to a pivot axis of the respective splice
case 49 defined by the axial bodies 67. The guidance of an optical
fiber 66 through the cylindrical axial bodies 67 parallel to the
pivot axis of the splice case 49 can be seen particularly well in
FIG. 18. It is of significance in this connection that the
cylindrical axial bodies 67 are axially slit, that is have an
opening 68 in the radially outward direction. The opening 68 in the
region of the cylindrical axial bodies 67 can be seen for example
in FIG. 10. The optical fibers 66 can be inserted in the radial
direction into the cylindrical axial bodies 67 via the opening 68.
As a result, particularly simple and careful insertion of the
optical fibers 66 from the curved guiding channels 60 into the
splice case 49 is made possible.
[0068] In order then to ensure that the optical fibers 66 placed
into the cylindrical axial bodies 67 cannot jump out from the
cylindrical axial bodies 67, in particular during the pivoting of
the splice cases 49, and be damaged thereby, guiding webs 69, 70
are integrated in the splice case 49 (see in particular FIGS. 10
and 11). As revealed in particular by FIG. 19, the guiding webs 69,
70 are integrated in the splice case 49 in such a way that, in
projection, one of the guiding webs 69, 70 covers the opening 68 in
the axial cylinder 67 in every position of the splice case 49. The
optical fibers 66 always lie against an inner wall 71 of the
cylindrical axial body 67 lying opposite the opening 68. It is
accordingly ensured as a result that the optical fibers 66 always
remain inside the axial body 67 during the pivoting of the splice
case 49, and cannot jump out from it. Furthermore, laterally next
to the curved channels 60 in the region of the outer guiding
channel compartments 57 are guiding webs 72, which likewise serve
for the guidance of the optical fibers 66 (see in particular FIGS.
14, 15, 16 and 18). The guiding webs 72 in the region of the outer
guiding channel compartments 57 prevent the optical fibers from
falling out from the outer guiding channel compartments 57.
Furthermore, the guiding webs 72 also have the effect in the region
of the outer guiding channel compartments 57 that the optical
fibers 66 lie against the inner wall 71 of the cylindrical axial
body 67. This can be seen in particular in FIG. 20. This is the
case because an inner wall of the guiding web 72 is rearwardly or
inwardly offset with respect to the inner wall 71 of the
cylindrical axial bodies 67, so that the slightly curved or
slightly rearwardly or inwardly bent profile of the optical fibers
66 that is represented in FIG. 20 is obtained.
[0069] A further aspect of the invention concerned here relates to
the guidance of the optical fibers 66 within the splice cases 49.
The optical fibers 66 running in the splice cases 49 are therefore
curved in a circular manner within the splice cases 49. The
circular guidance of the optical fibers 66 has the advantage that
the same are subjected to minimized mechanical loading. The
transmission properties of the optical fibers 66 are then not
adversely influenced.
[0070] To ensure the circular guidance of the optical fibers 66
within the splice cases 49, a number of guiding channels or guiding
ribs are integrated in the splice cases 49. FIG. 11 therefore shows
two outer, semicircular guiding ribs 73 and also guiding ribs 74,
which are arranged in a central portion of the splice cases 49 and
the outer contour of which likewise defines, at least in certain
portions, a segment of a circle. Therefore, in the case of the
exemplary embodiment of FIG. 11, a total of four guiding ribs 74
are arranged in the central portion of the splice cases 49. All the
outer edges of the guiding ribs 74 define segments of a circle of
different sizes. Circular guiding channels 75 are formed between
the guiding ribs 74 arranged in the central region of the splice
case 49.
[0071] It can be seen from FIGS. 12 and 13 that the guiding ribs 73
and the guiding ribs 74 form three interlinked and overlapping
circular guides 76, 77 and 78. The circular guides 76, 77 and 78
are in this case aligned in relation to one another in such a way
that the two outer circular guides 76 and 78 touch in the central
portion of the splice cases 49 and merge there tangentially with
each other. In this region, a change in the radius of curvature can
then be realized for the optical fibers 66. Furthermore, the
circular guides 76, 77 and 78 are aligned in relation to one
another in such a way that the optical fibers 66 can be guided in a
circular manner in the splice case with approximately the same
radii, irrespective of their length. This makes it possible to
provide circular guidance for any desired length of optical fibers
66 within the splice cases 49, while maintaining the ideal bending
radius, and consequently careful handling of the optical fibers 66.
FIG. 12 shows for example that, in the sense of a circular guide
79, an oval guidance of the optical waveguides is also possible,
the oval circular guide 79 being composed of the circular guides 76
and 78. It is also of significance in this connection that a
stowage space 80 for excess lengths of the optical fibers 66 is
created between the outer guiding ribs 73 and the inner guiding
ribs 74. The actual length compensation for the optical fibers
takes place within the stowage space 80, since the oval circular
guide 79 may be pronounced to a greater or lesser extent within the
stowage space 80.
[0072] FIGS. 14 to 16 show optical fibers 66, which are guided in
different ways within the splice cases 49. For instance, FIG. 16
shows a number of optical fibers 66 which are guided on the one
hand in an oval manner and on the other hand in a circular manner.
Furthermore, FIG. 14 shows a splice 81 between two optical fibers
66 to be connected, which is stored in a region of the splice case
49 specifically provided for this purpose. Within such a splice
case 49, a total of four such cable splices 81 can be stored.
[0073] According to a further aspect of the invention concerned
here, a drawer 82 which can be pulled out from the frame 37 and is
intended for the storage of uncut multifiber buffer tubes 65 is
integrated in the frame 37 of the hood-type sleeve 30. The drawer
82 is integrated between the vertically running frame parts 38 of
the frame 37 in the latter and can be pulled out from the frame 37
in a horizontal direction. The drawer 82 is thereby pulled out from
the frame 37 to the vertically running narrow side 43 thereof which
lies opposite from the vertically running narrow side 43 to which
the fiber guiding elements 50 are fastened. Accordingly, the
optical fibers 66 are guided in the region of the fiber guiding
elements 50 to one side of the frame 37 or to one side of the
splice case 49. To the opposite narrow side 43, the drawer 82 can
be pulled out from the frame 37. FIG. 1 shows the drawer 82 in a
position in which it is pushed into the frame 37, FIG. 21 shows it
in a position in which it is pulled out from the frame 37. FIG. 22
shows uncut multifiber buffer tubes 65 stored in the drawer 82.
[0074] To be able to grip the drawer 82 for pulling it out from the
frame 37, in the exemplary embodiment shown actuating grips 83 are
provided on a vertically running side of the drawer 82. The
actuating grips 83 serve at the same time for the secure guidance
of the multifiber buffer tubes 65 within the drawer 82. In addition
to the actuating grips 83, guides 84 are provided on horizontally
running sides of the drawer 82. The guides 84 also serve for the
secure storage of the multifiber buffer tubes 65 within the drawer
82.
[0075] In accordance with the first exemplary embodiment according
to FIGS. 1 to 22 of the invention concerned here, a hood-type
sleeve 30 is accordingly proposed, within which sleeve all the
optical fibers 66 are guided to a side next to the stack of splice
cases 49 once said fibers have been individually separated from the
multifiber buffer tubes 65 in the region of the fixing device 61 by
removal of the buffer tube jacket. The optical fibers 66 are
accordingly guided vertically upward exclusively to one side of the
stack of splice cases 49. Provided for this purpose on this one
side are fiber guiding elements 50, which both in the region of the
front side 40 and in the region of the rear side 41 of the frame 37
provide vertically running guiding channels 52, 53, which are
respectively subdivided into an inner guiding channel compartment
56 and an outer guiding channel compartment 57. Furthermore, it is
in keeping with the invention to guide the optical fibers 66 out of
the outer guiding channel compartments 57 into curved guiding
channels 60 in such a way that the optical fibers 66 are guided
through cylindrical axial bodies 67 of the splice cases 49 and are
therefore directed into the interior of the splice cases 49. The
optical fibers 66 are prevented from jumping out from the
cylindrical axial bodies 67, to be specific from a radial opening
68 of the axial bodies, by guiding webs 69, 70 integrated in the
splice cases 49. Within the splice cases 49, the optical fibers 66
are guided in a circular manner. Also provided is a drawer 82 for
the storage of uncut multifiber buffer tubes, which can be pulled
out from the frame 37 to a side which is opposite from the side to
which the fiber guiding elements 50 are fastened. The splice cases
59 can be fastened into the holders 48 independently of the fiber
guiding elements 50. This produces a modular construction of the
device according to the invention.
[0076] The above aspects of the design with respect to FIGS. 1 to
22 all relate to the hood-type sleeve 30 according to the first
exemplary embodiment of the invention. A second exemplary
embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to
FIGS. 23 to 32. The second exemplary embodiment according to FIGS.
23 to 32 also relates to a hood-type sleeve 85. In the aspects
concerning the basic structural design, the hood-type sleeve 85 of
the second exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 23 to 32
coincides with the hood-type sleeve 30 of the first exemplary
embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 22. To avoid unnecessary
repetition, the same reference numerals are therefore used for the
same subassemblies. Only the differences which differentiate the
hood-type sleeve 85 according to the second exemplary embodiment as
shown in FIGS. 23 to 32 from the hood-type sleeve 30 of the first
exemplary embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1 to 22 are discussed
below.
[0077] A first basic difference between the hood-type sleeve 85
according to the second exemplary embodiment of the invention and
the hood-type sleeve 30 according to the first exemplary embodiment
of the invention is that the drawer has been omitted in the case of
the hood-type sleeve 85. In the case of the hood-type sleeve 85
according to the second exemplary embodiment of the invention,
fiber guiding elements 50 in keeping with the invention extend to
both vertically running narrow sides 43 of the frame 37. This can
be seen in particular from FIGS. 23 and 24. It follows directly
from this that guiding channels 52 and 53 are formed in the region
of the two vertically running narrow sides 43. Each of these
guiding channels 52 and 53 is in turn subdivided into guiding
channel compartments, to be specific into inner guiding channel
compartments 56 and outer guiding channel compartments 57.
Laterally next to the two vertically running narrow sides 43, and
consequently to both sides of the splice cases 49, there
accordingly extend in each case four guiding channel compartments
56 and 57, respectively, positioned in a plane next to one
another.
[0078] As revealed in particular by FIGS. 23 to 25, a second
difference between the hood-type sleeve 85 according to the second
exemplary embodiment of the invention and the hood-type sleeve 30
according to the first exemplary embodiment of the invention is
that the guiding channels 52 and 53 running in the region of the
two vertically running narrow sides 43 are not separated from one
another merely by one vertically running separating wall, but
rather by two vertically running separating walls 86 and 87, the
two separating walls 86 and 87 being spaced apart from one another
and accordingly bounding a receiving space 88. This receiving space
88 can best be seen in FIG. 25. Uncut multifiber buffer tubes can
be inserted into the receiving space 88. The receiving space 88 of
the hood-type sleeve 85 according to the second exemplary
embodiment of the invention as shown in FIGS. 23 to 32 accordingly
undertakes the function of the drawer 82 of the hood-type sleeve 30
according to the first exemplary embodiment of the invention as
shown in FIGS. 1 to 22.
[0079] As likewise revealed by FIGS. 24 and 25, the separating
walls 86 and 87, otherwise running parallel to one another and
spaced apart from one another, touch in a lower portion to form the
aperture 55. The aperture 55 serves in turn the purpose of
deflecting optical fibers from the front side 40 into the region of
the rear side 41 or from the region of the rear side 41 into the
region of the front side 40.
[0080] A further difference between the two exemplary embodiments
relates to the design of the directing device or fixing device 61
for the multifiber buffer tubes. This is revealed in particular by
FIGS. 23 to 25. As a difference from the hood-type sleeve 30
according to the first exemplary embodiment of the invention,
guiding channels or directing channels 89 formed by the directing
device or fixing device 61 do not all lie in one plane in the case
of the hood-type sleeve 85 of the second exemplary embodiment of
the invention according to FIGS. 23 to 32. The directing channels
89 also do not all end and/or open out in the region of a
vertically running narrow side 43, but half of the directing
channels 89 open out in the region of a first vertically running
narrow side 43 and the other half of the directing channels 89 open
out in the region of the second vertically running narrow side 43.
As already mentioned, this is so because, in the case of the
hood-type sleeve 85 according to the second exemplary embodiment of
the invention the optical fibers are guided upward laterally next
to the splice cases 49 in the region of both vertically running
narrow sides 43. To this extent, it is advantageous for this
exemplary embodiment that the directing channels 89 also end in the
region of the two vertically running narrow sides 43.
[0081] In order to guide optical fibers which run either in the
region of the front side 40 or in the region of the rear side 41
from the guiding channels 52 or 53 in the region of a first
vertically running narrow side 43 into the region of the guiding
channels 52 or 53 of the second vertically running narrow side 43,
in the case of the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 23 to 32 two
deflecting cylinders 90 and 91 are respectively provided in the
region of the plate-shaped element 63, both in the region of the
front side 40 and in the region of the rear side 41. The deflecting
cylinders 90 and 91 can best be seen from FIG. 23. Optical fibers
which are accordingly to be guided from one vertically running
narrow side 43 into the region of the other vertically running
narrow side 43 can accordingly be guided back and forth by means of
the deflecting cylinders 90 and 91 in a simple and careful manner,
while conforming to the permissible minimum bending radii. It
should also be pointed out that the deflection from the front side
40 to the rear side 41 or from the rear side 41 to the front side
40 takes place via the apertures 55, which are arranged laterally
next to the vertically running narrow sides 43 in the region of the
guiding channels 52 and 53.
[0082] A further difference between the hood-type sleeve 30
according to the first exemplary embodiment of the invention and
the hood-type sleeve 85 according to the second exemplary
embodiment of the invention relates to the structural design of the
splice cases 49. The splice cases 49 of the hood-type sleeve 85
according to the second exemplary embodiment of the invention are
shown most clearly in FIGS. 24 and 26. The splice cases 49 of the
hood-type sleeve 85 according to the second exemplary embodiment of
the invention also allow circular guidance of the optical fibers in
the form of three interlinked and overlapping circular guides, as
has been explained in the case of the first exemplary embodiment in
connection with FIG. 13. A difference between the splice cases can
be seen, however, in the design or configuration of the guiding
ribs. The splice case 49 of the second exemplary embodiment of the
invention has in turn two outer semicircular and web-like guiding
ribs 73, but the flat guiding ribs 74 have been omitted. Rather,
web-like guiding ribs 92 are present in the central portion of the
splice case 49 of the second exemplary embodiment. In a way similar
to the web-like guiding ribs 73, the web-like guiding ribs 92
define in certain portions a segment of a circle. In the case of
the splice cases 49 of the second exemplary embodiment of the
invention, however, guiding channels between the guiding ribs 92
arranged in the central region of the splice case 49 have been
omitted.
[0083] This is advantageous with regard to the guidance of the
optical fibers. Furthermore, the web-like formation of the guiding
ribs 92 in the central region of the splice case 49 produces a
saving of material, and consequently a weight reduction.
[0084] FIG. 31 shows a further difference, relating to the splice
case, between the two exemplary embodiments. It can be seen in FIG.
31 that splice cases 49 of different thicknesses can be used.
According to FIG. 31, the splice cases 49 in the region of the
front side 40 are twice as thick as the splice cases 49 in the
region of the rear side 41 of the hood-type sleeve 85. In the
splice cases 49 of twice the thickness or height, a greater number
of spliced connections can be stored. It is a special feature of
the structural design principle of the invention concerned here
that splice cases of different thicknesses or heights can be
interchanged in a simple manner, without making any further
structural design modifications to the sleeve. If splice cases 49
of twice the thickness or height are used, only every second holder
48 is used for the splice cases 49. Two holders 48 which lie
opposite one another at the same height then in turn form a pivot
axis for the splice case 49. The holders positioned directly above
and beneath the holders 48 forming a pivot axis remain free when a
splice case 49 of twice the height or thickness is used.
Accordingly, no structural design modifications have to be made to
the holders for the splice cases.
[0085] A further difference between the two exemplary embodiments
of the invention concerned here relates to the securement of the
optical fibers 66 placed into the cylindrical axial bodies 67 of
the splice cases 49 to prevent them jumping out from the
cylindrical axial bodies 67 during a pivoting movement of the
splice cases 49. Thus coinciding with the first exemplary
embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 22, the guiding webs 69 and 70
are in turn integrated in the splice case 49 in the case of the
second exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 23 to 32. This can
be seen most clearly in FIGS. 28 to 30. In the case of the second
exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 23 to 32, however, the
guiding channels 52 and 53, and consequently the outer guiding
channel compartments 57, are offset outward to form the receiving
space 88, so that the function of the guiding web 72 described in
the case of the first exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to
22 is no longer effective in the region of the outer guiding
channel compartment 57. In order to compensate for this, in the
case of the second exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 23 to 32
guiding ribs 93 are provided in the region of the curved guiding
channels 60, to be specific neighboring the holders 48 for the
axial bodies 67 of the splice cases 49. The guiding ribs 93 can be
seen most clearly in FIG. 29. The guiding ribs 93 protrude
alternately in the upward and downward directions, the optical
fibers 66 being guided in a groove-like recess 94 within the
guiding ribs 93. Accordingly, if the splice case 49 is turned, the
optical fiber 66 always remains within the recess 94 and
accordingly always lies constantly against the guiding rib 93.
Jumping out of the optical fiber 66 from the opening 68 inside the
axial body 67 is thereby avoided.
[0086] FIG. 32 shows a further detail of the invention concerned
here which can be used both in the case of the exemplary embodiment
according to FIGS. 1 to 22 and in the case of the exemplary
embodiment according to FIG. 23 et seq. FIG. 32 shows four guiding
channels 89 lying next to one another in the region of the
directing device or fixing device 61 for the multifiber buffer
tubes. As shown in the detail according to FIG. 32 and as the
difference in relation to the fastening of the multifiber buffer
tubes by means of cable ties that was explained in connection with
the first exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 22, here the
fixing of the multifiber buffer tubes in the region of the guiding
channels 89 takes place by means of holding plates 95. As FIG. 32
reveals, guiding rails 96 into which the holding plates 95 can be
pushed are provided in the region of the guiding channels 89. The
pushing-in of the holding plates 95 into the guiding rails 96 takes
place in the sense of the arrow 97. As FIG. 32 reveals, a slot-like
clearance is provided in the holding plate 95. If the holding plate
95 is pushed into the corresponding guiding rails 96 in the
direction of the arrow 97, a barb-like anchoring element 98, which
is bounded by the slot or the clearance, is pressed inward, the
anchoring element 98 snapping back again into its original position
when the holding plate 95 has been pushed completely into the
guiding rails 96, and therefore fixing the holding plate 95 in the
guiding channels 89. According to the invention, one side of the
holding plate 95 is smoothly formed, whereas a separating web 99 is
provided on the opposite side of the holding plate 95. A holding
plate 99 accordingly serves for fixing two multifiber buffer tubes
in the guiding channels 89, a buffer tube being respectively
arranged to each side of the separating web 99. If two new
multifiber buffer tubes are to be fixed in the guiding channels 89
in the case of the arrangement shown in FIG. 32, the buffer tubes
are first placed on the smooth side of an already inserted holding
plate 95, and then a new holding plate 95 is pushed into the
corresponding guiding rails 96. Furthermore, it should be noted
that an axial displacement of the buffer tubes is possible in the
case of the fixing of the same that is shown in FIG. 32.
* * * * *